The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2010 by Bob Sehlinger with Len Testa

This Book Keeper LOVES travel books!  This love most likely stems from a strong desire to learn from someone else's mistake, rather than my own.  When my husband and I set out to take our nieces to WDW, I knew immediately that I would be making a visit to the bookstore.  I was not prepared for the vast amount of options.  Luckily, a friend (and fellow book club member) had just returned from a trip to WDW.  She recommended The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2010.  

I purchased the book two months before taking our trip.  It was the perfect amount of time to work through the 850 pages.  Of course, not every page was applicable to our family or the purpose of our trip.  I truly enjoyed reading about all the new rides and shows not in existence during my childhood.  I used the tips to plan all of our meals, which saved a ton of money (we did not opt for the Disney Dining Plan).  The biggest benefit of the books?  The touring plans!!!  The touring plans were invaluable to our trip!!!  I would recommend that anyone taking a trip to WDW purchase the book if only to gain access to these touring plans.  I would also suggest that readers pay attention to the unofficial tips set apart from the main text (these tips are printed in blue and can be found in the margins).

Thank You Unofficial Guide!  You were amazing!  Thank you, Laura, for recommending this priceless gem of information!

Stay tuned:  I will post pictures of some of the shows and rides we were able to enjoy with the help of this book.

The Wonderful World of Walt Disney

What could be more fanciful than Walt Disney World???  Well, this Book Keeper is picking up and heading South for a bit.  I have been carrying around the book, The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, with me for a few weeks now.  When I return I will give you my review!

As Tigger would say, "Well, I gotta go, now!  I got a lot of bouncing to do!  Hoo-hoo-hoo!  TTFN!  Ta ta for now!!!"

Tuesday's Theory: Coupons Make you Buy More Books

"Book Keeping" can become a very expensive habit. Obviously, borrowing from friends and from the local library is a great option. If you need to buy a book, however, take advantage of the reward programs offered at both Borders and Barnes & Noble. Borders Rewards is free to join and Borders frequently sends out great coupons (that you can use in addition to "Borders Bucks"). A Barnes & Noble membership will cost you $25 per year, but members enjoy an everyday discount of at least 10% off (even in the cafe) in addition to bonus coupons and email offers. I frequently plan my gift giving based on Borders' weekly deals (because my friends are book lovers, of course), but I think a Barnes & Noble membership is a great gift idea itself!

However, those coupons and incentives most definitely encourage me to buy MORE.  Am I really saving money???

While we are on the subject of buying books, I have to say that I got the best deals during last year's Black Friday sale on Amazon.com.  A friend recently encouraged me to check out Amazon.com during the other 364 days of the year for used books in top condition.  I don't know why I did not think about this earlier.

When I started looking at the used books on Amazon, I wondered whether there were any local shops that carry used books.  I am a strong supporter of supporting local business.  The first place I found for used books was the Children's Memorial White Elephant Resale Shop.  In the very back there are several narrow rows of filled bookshelves.  Surprisingly, the books were well organized.  The second shop I discovered is Myopic Books in Wicker Park.  I have not yet had the pleasure of browsing the three floors of books, but I am definitely looking forward to it!

Even if I do start buying more used rather than new books, I think my theory will hold true:  the better the deal I think I am getting; the more books I will buy.

Devil in the White City: A Book and Tour

It is FRIDAY!!!  I am constantly day dreaming on Friday about all the fun things I could do during the weekend, especially in a city like Chicago!  Recently, my day dreaming took myself and three others on a bike tour of Hyde Park.  The tour was titled "Presidential Bike Tour" and it was presented by the company, Bike and Roll (in many cities).  Our group had a great time biking through Hyde Park on a beautiful Saturday morning.  The tour was nearly 3 hours long and our guide, Emily, was darling.  Of course, I expected all of the random facts about President Obama's life in Hyde Park (including visiting the location where he and the First Lady shared their first kiss), but I was pleasantly surprised to find that a large majority of the tour covered locations and facts related to the 1893 World's Fair.  Our guide constantly referred to sections of the book, Devil in the White City, by Eric Larson. 

Devil in the White City examines "the greatest fair in history - a place where incredible dreams came to life alongside darkest nightmares."  Random House.  I highly recommend this book to all readers with any general interest in architecture, history, crime, or a preference for (murder) mystery novels.

While my group got our tickets for $21 per person, tickets are normally priced $39.  The tour was definitely worth $21.  The tour included the guide, a bike and helmet, and admission to the DuSable Museum.  I am not sure if I would feel the same satisfaction if I paid $39.00.

Another tour that has been strongly recommended to me is the Chicago Architecture Foundation Devil In The White City Companion Bus Tour.  I have taken the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise Tour and must admit that it was fabulous.  The CAF Devil in the White City tour is $55.00, but there are discounts available for seniors, students, and CAF members.

If you are not interested spending between $40.00 and $60.00 on a tour, here is my advice.  Read the book because it is fabulous.  After finishing the book, do a little research of your own and create your own tour.  Visit Hyde Park on a beautiful Saturday morning and bring your walking shoes.  When you need a break, take a seat under the dramatic arches of the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel (on the University of Chicago's campus) and reflect.  When you need a bite to eat or something to quench your thirst, stop in the Medici Bakery and Deli on 57th (the almond horned butter cookies are my favorite).  Just don't forget to walk over the water using the beautiful moon bridge in the Oska Garden to rid yourself of any evil.

A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

Our book club has three new members and I was so happy that A Reliable Wife was the first book we discussed together!  While it is true that this story contains several "bodice-ripping" chapters, this book is a fabulous selection for a book club for so many different reasons.  First, the characters are quite complex.  Goolrick took great care in creating each of his fascinating characters.  A reader cannot help but become emotionally involved in each character's plight.  Hate, love, and empathy, but NEVER indifference.  Second, the author painted such a descriptive landscape for each setting/location, that you could not help but speak about symbolism.  [Insert congratulatory message to all high school English literature teachers here:  your students really were listening!]  The contrast between the frozen life the characters faced in Wisconsin and the general moral corruption of St. Louis is beautifully presented.  Third, the overall story is one of forgiveness; something all readers can relate to in some way.